Automotive brake lighting

ABSTRACT

A method and an apparatus are provided for controllably illuminating automotive brake lights. In one embodiment, an automotive brake lighting system comprises a brake light including first and second light sources, a sensor to sense a level of an operating condition associated with at least one of a brake assembly or a brake pedal of a motor vehicle for illuminating the brake light, and a controller configured to monitor information provided by the sensor. The controller, in response to the level of the operating condition, selectively powers the at least one of the first or second light sources of the brake light based at least in part on the monitored information to generate a variable visual indication relating to braking of the motor vehicle from the brake light over a range of at least two different visual indications that indicate a variable braking rate of the motor vehicle over a corresponding range of at least two different braking rates.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. Ser. No.11/757,113, filed Jun. 1, 2007, which is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to automotive systems, and moreparticularly, to automotive brake lighting systems.

2. Description of the Related Art

A lighting system of a motor vehicle consists of lighting and signalingdevices mounted or integrated to the front, sides and rear of thevehicle. The purpose of this system is to provide illumination by whichfor the driver to operate the vehicle safely after dark, to increase theconspicuity of the vehicle, and to display information about thevehicle's presence, position, size, direction of travel, and driver'sintentions regarding direction and speed of travel.

A lighting system of a motor vehicle also comprises rear position lamps(tail lamps) sometimes referred to as a brake light or a stop light. Abrake light or a stop light is a red light on the rear of a motorvehicle that signals when the brakes are applied to slow or stop.Besides the conventional taillights sometimes A Center High-Mounted StopLamp (usually seen abbreviated as CHMSL) is used as a third stop lamp,or brake tight. It is mounted on the rear of a vehicle. It is usuallyplaced above the rear window, or is affixed inside the window andprojects through it. In some creative arrangements, the CHMSL isintegrated into a spoiler. A CHMSL is usually thought of as a car safetyfeature.

Nighttime vehicle conspicuity to the rear is provided by rear positionlamps disposed in a brake light, stop light, tail light, tail lamp andrear light. These are required to produce only red light, and to bewired such that they are lit whenever the front position lamps areilluminated—including when the headlamps are on. Rear position lamps maybe combined with the vehicles brake lamps, or separate from them. Incombined-function installations, the lamps produce brighter red lightfor the brake lamp function, and dimmer red light for the rear positionlamp function. Regulations worldwide stipulate minimum intensity ratiosbetween the bright (brake) and dim (tail) modes, so that a vehicledisplaying rear position lamps will not be mistakenly interpreted asshowing brake lamps, and vice versa. Rear position lamps are permitted,required or forbidden to illuminate in combination with daytime runninglamps, depending on the jurisdiction and the DRL implementation

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order toprovide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. Thissummary is not an exhaustive overview of the invention. It is notintended to identify key or critical elements of the invention or todelineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to presentsome concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detaileddescription that is discussed later.

The present invention is directed to overcoming, or at least reducing,the effects of, one or more of the problems set forth above.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided forilluminating a brake light including first and second light sources. Themethod comprises monitoring information provided by a sensor that sensesa level of an operating condition associated with at least one of abrake assembly or a brake pedal of a motor vehicle. The method furthercomprises, in response to the level of the operating condition,selectively powering the at least one of the first or second lightsources of the brake light based at least in part on the monitoredinformation to generate a variable visual indication relating to brakingof the motor vehicle from the brake light over a range of at least twodifferent visual indications that indicate a variable braking rate ofthe motor vehicle over a corresponding range of at least two differentbraking rates.

In another embodiment, an automotive brake lighting system comprises abrake light including first and second light sources, a sensor to sensea level of an operating condition associated with at least one of abrake assembly or a brake pedal of a motor vehicle for illuminating thebrake light, and a controller configured to monitor information providedby the sensor. The controller, in response to the level of the operatingcondition, selectively powers the at least one of the first or secondlight sources of the brake light based at least in part on the monitoredinformation to generate a variable visual indication relating to brakingof the motor vehicle from the brake light over a range of at least twodifferent visual indications that indicate a variable braking rate ofthe motor vehicle over a corresponding range of at least two differentbraking rates.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be understood by reference to the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich like reference numerals identify like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a motor vehicle to include anautomotive brake lighting system comprising a first brake light and asecond brake light in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a vehicle hydraulic brake systemaccording to one embodiment of the present invention to electronicallycontrol the automotive brake lighting system shown in FIG. 1 consistentwith one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a stylized representation for implementing a methodof controllably illuminating automotive brake lights consistent with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by wayof example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It shouldbe understood, however, that the description herein of specificembodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particularforms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover allmodifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spiritand scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. In theinterest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation aredescribed in this specification. It will of course be appreciated thatin the development of any such actual embodiment, numerousimplementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve thedevelopers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related andbusiness-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation toanother. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effortmight be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routineundertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit ofthis disclosure.

Generally, a method and apparatus are provided for controllablyilluminating automotive brake lights. In one embodiment, an automotivebrake lighting system comprises a brake light including first and secondlight sources, a sensor to sense a level of an operating conditionassociated with at least one of a brake assembly or a brake pedal of amotor vehicle for illuminating the brake light, and a controllerconfigured to monitor information provided by the sensor. Thecontroller, in response to the level of the operating condition,selectively powers the at least one of the first or second light sourcesof the brake light based at least in part on the monitored informationto generate a variable visual indication relating to braking of themotor vehicle from the brake light over a range of at least twodifferent visual indications that indicate a variable braking rate ofthe motor vehicle over a corresponding range of at least two differentbraking rates.

Referring to FIG. 1, a motor vehicle 100 is illustrated to include anautomotive brake lighting system 102 comprising a first brake light105(1) and a second brake light 105(2) in accordance with one exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the first brakelight 105(1) may comprise a first light source 110(1) and a second lightsource 110(2). For controllably illuminating the first and second lightsources 105(1, 2) of the first brake light 105(1), the automotive brakelighting system 102 may comprise a controller 115. Examples of the motorvehicle 100 include a car, sports utility vehicle, bus, truck, tractor,motorcycle, hybrid vehicle and a multipurpose automotive having one or apair of tail lights that may generally be used for indicating braking ofthe motor vehicle 100. Examples of the controller 115 include aprocessor or microcontroller capable to monitoring information providedby the automotive brake lighting system 102.

To provide an ability to apply brake by a driver, the automotive brakelighting system 102 of the motor vehicle 100 may comprise a conventionalbrake pedal 120 and an associated conventional brake assembly 125. Theautomotive brake lighting system 102 may further comprise a sensor 130that senses a level of an operating condition associated with at leastone of the brake assembly 125 or the brake pedal 120 of the motorvehicle 100. The sensor 130 may comprise a pressure sensor 130 a and aposition sensor 130 b to sense a pressure level or a position level,respectively. While the controller 115 may monitor information providedby the sensor 130, the sensor 130 may sense a pedal pressure leveland/or a pedal position level.

For example, the pressure sensor 130 a may sense the pressure level onthe brake assembly 125 and/or the brake pedal 120. That is, the pressuresensor 130 a may detect a first pressure level 135 a a foot of a driveron the brake pedal 120. The position sensor 130 b may sense a pedallevel (145 a or 145 b) of the brake pedal 120 and/or a brake padposition of the brake assembly 125. In one illustrative embodiment, theposition sensor 130 b may detect a first position 140 a of the brakeassembly 125 and/or the brake pedal 120 of the motor vehicle 100relative to an initial position 140 b thereof, as shown by a positionscale 142 of the position sensor 130 b.

Consistent with one illustrative embodiment of the present invention,the automotive brake lighting system 102 any further comprise memory 150coupled to the controller 115. The memory 150 may be capable of storingpower control information 155 associated with a power signal 160. Thecontroller 115 may be capable of retrieving the power controlinformation 155 for selectively powering the first and/or second lightsources 110(1,2) of the first brake light 105(1).

In operation, to selectively power the first and/or second light sources110(1, 2) of the first brake light 105(1), the controller 115 may beconfigured to monitor information (INFO) 165 provided by the sensor 130.Based at least in part on the monitored INFO 165, in response to a levelof the operating condition, the controller 115 may selectively powereither one of the first light source 110(1) or the second light source110(2) or both of them at the same time.

By selectively lighting or switching ON one or both of the first andsecond light sources 110(1,2) of the first brake light 105(1), thecontroller 115 may generate a variable visual indication relating tobraking of the motor vehicle 100 from the first brake light 105(1) overa range of at least two different visual indications 170(1,2). These twodifferent visual indications 170(1,2) may indicate a variable brakingrate of the motor vehicle 100 over a corresponding range of at least twodifferent braking rates 175(1,2). For example, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention, a braking rate may refer to achange in revolutions per second of a tire 180 of the motor vehicle 100.That is, the braking rate may be defined based on a number ofrevolutions per second by which the tire 180 of the motor vehicle 100may be rotating or braking. In other words, the braking rate maycorrelate to slowing down of the rite 180 as indicated by a desiredspeed level in miles per hour shown by a speedometer or a desireddistance measured in feet that the motor vehicle 100 may traverse asshown by a trip meter on a road or a similar pavement surface and thelike before coming to a partial or complete halt.

According to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, thecontroller 115 may be configured to calibrate positions of the brakeassembly 125 and/or the brake pedal to braking rates that generate avariable visual indication relating to braking of the motor vehicle 100.For example, based on a first pressure level 135 a, the controller 115may form a first visual warning pattern for a first visual indication170(1) by powering one of the first and second light sources 110(1,2) ofthe first brake light 105(1). Likewise, based on a second pressure level135 b, the controller 115 may form a second visual warning patterndifferent than the first visual warning pattern for a second visualindication 170(2) by substantially simultaneously powering both thefirst and second light sources 110(1,2) of the first brake light 105(1).

The controller 115 may be configured to calibrate the initial position140 b of the brake assembly 125 and/or the brake pedal 120 to a firstbraking rate and calibrate the first position 140 a of the brakeassembly 125 and/or the brake pedal 120 to a second braking rate. In oneembodiment, the second braking rate may be higher than the first brakingrate. In one embodiment, this braking rate may be determined based on adistance in feet that the motor vehicle 100 may traverse before comingto a full or complete halt on a road or a similar pavement surface andthe like.

Next, as indicated in FIG. 2, a vehicle hydraulic brake system 200 maybe formed in a variety of ways, e.g., using a tandem master cylinder ora two-circuit main brake cylinder in accordance with the disclosures setforth in the following U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2003/0205931: Ser. No. 10/447,640, filed May 29, 2003, entitled“Apparatus for determining positions and movements of a brake pedal fora vehicle brake system” and Ser. No. 244,245 and PCT No. PCT/DE93/00802,PCT filed Sep. 4, 1993 (Section 102(e) and 371 date Aug. 19, 1994),entitled “Hydraulic Brake Device having An Anti-Skid System” all ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference.

In general, as will be discussed more fully below, the vehicle hydraulicbrake system 200 may comprise an apparatus for determining a pedaldisplacement of a brake pedal 120 a. In one embodiment, a magneticelement disposed on a piston in the interior of a housing of a brakecylinder may be used, which cooperates with a sensor element disposed atthe outside of the brake cylinder to detect positions and movements ofthe piston. As positions and movements of the piston connected to themagnetic element correspond directly with positions and movements of abrake pedal 120 a connected rigidly and directly thereto or characterizethe positions and movements in the case of an indirect connection to thebrake pedal 120 a, it is possible on the basis of positions andmovements, which are determined for the piston, to infer the underlyingpedal displacement of the brake pedal 120 a. Of course, many differentdetector type suitable combinations are possible.

Referring to FIG. 2, the vehicle hydraulic brake system 200 isschematically illustrated according to one embodiment of the presentinvention to electronically control the automotive brake lighting system102 shown in FIG. 1. The vehicle hydraulic brake system 200 comprises amaster brake cylinder 10 with a reservoir 12 supplying fluid thereto. Apneumatic braking force amplifier 15 sometimes also called a booster maybe coupled to the master brake cylinder 10. A pushrod 17 penetrating adash panel 20 from the pneumatic braking force amplifier 15 may becoupled to a brake pedal 120 a via a hinge 22. The brake pedal 120 a maybe pivotally supported by a brake pedal hinge 25 coupled to a dashbracket 30 fixed to the dash panel 20.

The vehicle hydraulic brake system 200 may actuate the master brakecylinder 10 using an actuating member 35, which may be coupled to afirst piston 206 disposed in the master brake cylinder 10. To provide adesired actuation, the actuating member 35 may be coupled to the brakepedal 120 a via the pneumatic braking force amplifier 15.

In operation, the first piston 206 together with a second piston 208disposed in the master brake cylinder 10 within a housing 210 of themaster brake cylinder 10 delimits first and second hydraulic chambers Aand B. The hydraulic chambers A and B may contain hydraulic fluid, whichmay flow in or flow off via associated supply connections 212 and 214.The hydraulic chambers A and B may be connected by fluid lines 216 and218 to wheel brakes 220 and 222 for supplying the latter with hydraulicfluid based on an actuation of the master brake cylinder 10. A spring224 may cooperate with the second piston 208 in order to position thelatter in the master brake cylinder 10 based on an actuation of theactuating member 35. The spring 224 may further move the second piston208 and, via the fluid connection in the first hydraulic chamber A, thefirst piston 206 into their neutral positions when the master brakecylinder 10 is not actuated.

As the first piston 206 is connected directly and rigidly to theactuating member 35, a displacement of the first piston 206 correspondsdirectly to a corresponding movement of the actuating member 35 andtherefore characterizes the actuation of the brake pedal 120 a, moreprecisely the pedal displacement to a position indicated by the brakepedal 120 a(1), effected by a vehicle driver. In other words, a movementof the first piston 206 corresponds directly to the underlying pedaldisplacement when the brake pedal 120 a is directly connected to theactuating member 35. When a brake booster, illustrated in FIG. 2 as thepneumatic force amplifier 15, being disposed between the actuatingmember 35 and the brake pedal 120 a is used, its parameters may be takeninto account to determine from a displacement of the first piston 206the corresponding pedal displacement.

Consistent with one embodiment, for the purposes of determining thepedal displacement from a resulting displacement of the first piston 206upon an actuation of the brake pedal 120 a, the vehicle hydraulic brakesystem 200 may comprise a primary detector 226, which is fitted in afixed manner on the first piston 206. Although the primary detector 226is illustrated in FIG. 2 as disposed on an end face 228 of the firstpiston 206 facing the first hydraulic chamber A. the primary detector226 may otherwise be fastened to an opposite end face 230. Othersuitable arrangements of individual or multiple components, whichfulfill the function of the primary detector 226, on the first piston206 are shown in FIG. 2 of the US Patent Publication Number2003/0205931, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Disposed at an outer surface 236 of the housing 210 of the master brakecylinder 10 is a sensor device 238, which cooperates with the primarydetector 226 to determine positions and movements of the first piston206. Based on the positions and movements of the primary detector 226and hence of the first piston 206, the sensor device 238 may providecorresponding signals, which relay via a signal interface 240 to thecontroller 115, which may use these signals to control the operation ofthe motor vehicle 100 and, in particular, to control the automotivebrake lighting system 102, as set forth above in FIG. 1. For example, atransducer 255 may electrically activate a switch matrix 260 associatedwith the controller 115 for selectively providing the power signal to160 to the first and/or second light sources 110(1,2) of the first brakelight 105(1).

Consistent with one embodiment of the present invention, the transducer255 may comprise a reed switch operable by the primary detector 226. Areed switch is an electric switch that consists of a pair of ferrousmetal contacts in a hermetically sealed glass envelope. A permanentmagnet placed in close proximity to the switch causes the contacts topull together, thus completing an electrical circuit. Reed switches, forexample, may be used as means which detect the start of a movement ofthe sensor device 238 from its rest position. The signals generated bythe means which detect the start of a movement of the sensor device 238may drive the switch matrix 260 to selectively activate the first and/orsecond light sources 110(1,2) of the first brake light 105(1). That is,upon movement detection of the brake pedal 120 a by using the reedswitch, the transducer 255 sends a signal to a control box, i.e., theswitch matrix 255 which then selectively activates the first and/orsecond light sources 110(1,2) of the first brake light 105(1).

Consistent with one embodiment of the present invention, the transducer255 may detect a first position of the brake assembly and/or the brakepedal of the motor vehicle relative to an initial position of the brakeassembly and/or the brake pedal. The switch matrix 260 may be coupled tothe transducer 255 to illuminate one of the first and second lightsources 110(1,2) of the first brake light 105(1). For the transducer255, the controller 115 may be configured to calibrate the initialposition of the brake assembly and/or the brake pedal to a first brakingrate that generates a variable visual indication relating to braking ofthe motor vehicle based on a first pressure level of a foot of a driveron the brake pedal 120 a so as to form a first visual warning pattern bypowering the first and second light sources 110(1,2) of the first brakelight 105(1). Additionally, for the transducer 255, the controller 115may be configured to calibrate the first position of the brake assemblyand/or the brake pedal to a second braking rate that generates avariable visual indication relating to braking of the motor vehiclebased on a second pressure level of the foot of the driver on the brakepedal 120 a so as to form a second visual warning pattern different thanthe first visual warning pattern by powering the first and second lightsources 110(1,2) of the first brake light 105(1), wherein the secondbraking rate is higher than the first braking rate. In this way, thecontroller 115 may access the memory 150 storing power controlinformation associated with the power signal 160 based on the calibratedmovement detected of the brake pedal 120 a by using the transducer 255for selectively powering the at least one of the first or second lightsources 110(1,2) of the brake light 105(1).

Consistent with one embodiment of the present invention, the controller115 may be configured to selectively provide the power signal 160 to thefirst and/or second light sources 110(1,2) of the first brake light105(1) to generate visible radiation from the braking or stop light byswitching the at least one of the first or second light sources 110(1,2)of the first brake light 105(1) on. For example, the controller 115 maybe configured to provide a pulse-width-modulation control forilluminating the brake light 105(1) for the motor vehicle 100 to providethe visible radiation having a perceivable color with a variableintensity over a range of at least two different perceivable intensitiesthat indicate the variable braking rate of the motor vehicle 100.

Referring to FIG. 3, it illustrates a stylized representation forimplementing a method of illuminating the first brake light 105(1)including first and second light sources 110(1,2) consistent with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. At block 305, thecontroller 115 may monitor information provided by the sensor 130 thatsenses a level of an operating condition associated with the brakeassembly 125 or the brake pedal 120 of the motor vehicle 100. Themonitoring of information may further comprise monitoring informationrelating to a pressure level on the brake assembly 125 and/or the brakepedal 120 of the motor vehicle 100. The monitoring information relatingto a pressure level may further comprise detecting a first position ofthe brake assembly 125 and/or the brake pedal 120 of the motor vehicle100 relative to an initial position of the brake assembly 125 and/or thebrake pedal 120.

At block 310, the controller 115 may use the sensor 130 with thetransducer 255 to detect the level of the operating condition. At block315, the controller selectively powers the first or second light sources110(1,2) of the first brake light 105(1) based at least in part on themonitored information to generate a variable visual indication relatingto braking of the motor vehicle 100 from the first brake light 105(1)over a range of at least two different visual indications that indicatea variable braking rate of the motor vehicle 100 over a correspondingrange of at least two different braking rates.

To selectively power the first or the second light source 110(1) or110(2) of the first brake light 105(1), the controller 115 mayselectively provide the power signal 160 to the first and/or the secondlight source 110(1) or 110(2) of the first brake light 105(1) togenerate visible radiation from the first brake light 105(1). Inresponse to the power signal 160, the controller 115 may switch thefirst and/or the second light source 110(1, 2) of the first brake light105(1) on. For example, in response to the power signal 160, thecontroller 115 may illuminate the first brake light 105(1) for the motorvehicle 100 to provide a visible radiation having a perceivable colorwith a variable intensity over a range of at least two differentperceivable intensities that indicate the variable braking rate of themotor vehicle 100.

For the purposes of selectively powering the first and/or the secondlight source 110(1, 2) of the first brake light 105(1), the controller115 may control timing of lighting of the first and second light sources110(1, 2) each including a light emitting diode (LED)-based lightsource. Alternatively, the controller 115 may controlling timing oflighting of the first and second light sources 110(1,2) each including alight bulb.

At block 320, if the level of the operating condition is a level one,the controller 115 may power only the first or the second light source110(1) or 110(2) of the first brake light 105(1). At block 325, if thelevel of the operating condition is a level two different than the levelone, the controller 115 may power both the first and second lightsources 110(1,2) of the first brake light 105(1). Thus, for selectivelypowering the first and/or the second light source 110(1, 2) of the firstbrake light 105(1) the controller 115 determines positions and movementsof actuating devices and, in particular, of brake pedals for vehiclebrake systems. The positions and movements of pistons in brake cylindersfor vehicle brake systems are detected in order to determine underlyingpositions and movements of corresponding actuating units and, inparticular, of brake pedals for controlling timing of lighting of thefirst and second light sources 110(1, 2) of the first brake light105(1).

Portions of the present invention and corresponding detailed descriptionare presented in terms of software, or algorithms and symbolicrepresentations of operations on data bits within a computer memory.These descriptions and representations are the ones by which those ofordinary skill in the art effectively convey the substance of their workto others of ordinary skill in the art. An algorithm, as the term isused here, and as it is used generally, is conceived to be aself-consistent sequence of steps leading to a desired result. The stepsare those requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities.Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take the form ofoptical, electrical, or magnetic signals capable of being stored,transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. It hasproven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, torefer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters,terms, numbers, or the like.

It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar termsare to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and aremerely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unlessspecifically stated otherwise, or as is apparent from the discussion,terms such as “processing” or “computing” or “calculating” or“determining” or “displaying” or the like, refer to the action andprocesses of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device,that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical, electronicquantities within the computer system's registers and memories intoother data similarly represented as physical quantities within thecomputer system memories or registers or other such information storage,transmission or display devices.

Note also that the software implemented aspects of the invention aretypically encoded on some form of program storage medium or implementedover some type of transmission medium. The program storage medium may bemagnetic (e.g., a floppy disk or a hard drive) or optical (e.g., acompact disk read only memory, or “CD ROM”), and may be read only orrandom access. Similarly, the transmission medium may be twisted wirepairs, coaxial cable, optical fiber, or some other suitable transmissionmedium known to the art. The invention is not limited by these aspectsof any given implementation.

The present invention set forth above is described with reference to theattached figures. Various structures, systems and devices areschematically depicted in the drawings for purposes of explanation onlyand so as to not obscure the present invention with details that arewell known to those skilled in the art. Nevertheless, the attacheddrawings are included to describe and explain illustrative examples ofthe present invention. The words and phrases used herein should beunderstood and interpreted to have a meaning consistent with theunderstanding of those words and phrases by those skilled in therelevant art. No special definition of a term or phrase, i.e., adefinition that is different from the ordinary and customary meaning asunderstood by those skilled in the art, is intended to be implied byconsistent usage of the term or phrase herein. To the extent that a termor phrase is intended to have a special meaning, i.e., a meaning otherthan that understood by skilled artisans, such a special definition willbe expressly set forth in the specification in a definitional mannerthat directly and unequivocally provides the special definition for theterm or phrase.

While the invention has been illustrated herein as being useful in atelecommunications network environment, it also has application in otherconnected environments. For example, two or more of the devicesdescribed above may be coupled together via device-to-deviceconnections, such as by hard cabling, radio frequency signals (e.g.,802.11(a), 802.11(b), 802.11(g), Bluetooth, or the like), infraredcoupling, telephone lines and modems, or the like. The present inventionmay have application in any environment where two or more users areinterconnected and capable of communicating with one another.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various system layers,routines, or modules illustrated in the various embodiments herein maybe executable control units. The control units may include amicroprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor, aprocessor card (including one or more microprocessors or controllers),or other control or computing devices as well as executable instructionscontained within one or more storage devices. The storage devices mayinclude one or more machine-readable storage media for storing data andinstructions. The storage media may include different forms of memoryincluding semiconductor memory devices such as dynamic or static randomaccess memories (DRAMs or SRAMs), erasable and programmable read-onlymemories (EPROMs), electrically erasable and programmable read-onlymemories (EEPROMs) and flash memories; magnetic disks such as fixed,floppy, removable disks; other magnetic media including tape; andoptical media such as compact disks (CDs) or digital video disks (DVDs).Instructions that make up the various software layers, routines, ormodules in the various systems may be stored in respective storagedevices. The instructions, when executed by a respective control unit,causes the corresponding system to perform programmed acts.

The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as theinvention may be modified and practiced in different but equivalentmanners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of theteachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to thedetails of construction or design herein shown, other than as describedin the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particularembodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all suchvariations are considered within the scope and spirit of the invention.Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the claimsbelow.

1. An automotive brake lighting system comprising: a brake assemblycoupled to a brake pedal; a brake light including first and second lightsources; a sensor to sense a level of an operating condition associatedwith a motor vehicle for illuminating said brake light; a controllerconfigured to monitor information provided by the sensor forelectronically controlling the automotive brake lighting system; and amemory coupled to the controller, the memory to store power controlinformation for providing braking indications over a range of at leasttwo different visual indications having a varying warning light patterncorresponding to at least one of sensed braking inputs during theactuation of the brake pedal or braking inputs associated with the brakeassembly, the controller, in response to the level of the operatingcondition, to selectively power either one of the first light source orthe second light source or both of the first and second light sources atsubstantially the same time based on the monitored information and thestored power control information, wherein the power control informationincorporates a desired calibration according to which each of thebraking indications as a function of braking rate of the motor vehicleis calibrated for a given level of the operating condition such that theat least different visual indications having a predefined relativedifference on a particular scale over the range.
 2. The automotive brakelighting system of claim 1, wherein the controller to calibrate for thegiven level of the operating condition being the given brake pedalpressure a braking indication as a function of the braking rate of themotor vehicle.
 3. The automotive brake lighting system of claim 1,wherein the memory storing the power control information including atleast one of timing of lighting control information, light intensityvariation information, light source location information, and lightsource size information for selectively powering at least one of thefirst and second light sources of the brake light.
 4. The automotivebrake lighting system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configuredto provide a pulse-width-modulation control for illuminating the brakelight for the motor vehicle to provide a visible radiation having aperceivable color with a variable intensity over a range of at least twodifferent perceivable intensities.
 5. The automotive brake lightingsystem of claim 1, wherein the first and second light sources eachincluding a light emitting diode (LED)-based light source.
 6. Theautomotive brake lighting system of claim 1, wherein the sensor isconfigured to monitor information relating to a pressure level on thebrake pedal of the motor vehicle.
 7. The automotive brake lightingsystem of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to controltiming of lighting of the first and second light sources of the brakelight.
 8. The automotive brake lighting system of claim 1, wherein thesensor is configured to monitor information relating to a position ofthe brake pedal of the motor vehicle.